Bad heater core? (e36)

[dust4life]

Hey guys, just wanted to start by saying thank you for all the tips, diy's etc throughout the pelican site.

I've got an annoying problem in my m, I'll occasionally get an odd smell in the cabin (not oil or gas) which is sometimes accompanied by a small cloud of whiteish smoke that shoots out of the vents. I've noticed that i can avoid the smell by shutting down the hvac but when i rode around like that i noted smoke coming out of the engine bay. There isn't any white smoke coming out of my exhaust and the engine runs beautifully (also had a comp/leak down test, everythings fine) so I'm sure its not a Head gasket issue. some poking around on M3F leads me to believe it could be a bad heater core. I really am hoping thats not the case as an old DIY i found makes it look like a MAJOR pita to replace. My friend suggested an issue with the charcoal canister when he got a face full of the smell a couple nights ago.

Ideas? Questions? I can provide more info if anyone needs for a basic forum diagnostic

TIA

[Manolito]

Does it smell sweet? Ethylene glycol has a sweet odor, but BMW factory antifreeze is a little more nondescript smelling.

[Jeron]

The heater core is easier/cheaper than the head gasket, so hope it isn't the head gasket first. None of your symptoms sound like a head gasket though.

I would start in the engine bay looking for coolant leaks. Any drips? Any lost coolant? Look up into the bay for wetness on coolant hoses especially near fittings.

[dust4life]

Originally Posted by Manolito

Does it smell sweet? Ethylene glycol has a sweet odor, but BMW factory antifreeze is a little more nondescript smelling.

i wouldn't describe the smell as "sweet"

as for leaks there's nothing visiblefrom the top of the engine bay (besides a minor oil leak from the back of the valve cover gasket) , i'll try and get it jacked up to poke around underneath